Saturday, December 31, 2016

As our nation prepares to ring in the new year, the U.S. Census Bureau today projected the U.S. population will be 324,310,011 on Jan. 1, 2017. The projected world population on Jan. 1, 2017, is 7,362,350,168, an increase of 77,849,375, or 1.07 percent, from New Year's Day 2016.

The following tip sheet was released today by the U.S. Census Bureau:

As our nation prepares to ring in the new year, the U.S. Census Bureau today projected the U.S. population will be 324,310,011 on Jan. 1, 2017. This represents an increase of 2,245,347, or 0.70 percent, from New Year’s Day 2016. Since Census Day (April 1) 2010, the population has grown by 15,564,473, or 5.04 percent.

In January 2017, the United States is expected to experience one birth every 8 seconds and one death every 11 seconds. Meanwhile, net international migration is expected to add one person to the U.S. population every 33 seconds. The combination of births, deaths and net international migration will increase the U.S. population by one person every 17 seconds.

The projected world population on Jan. 1, 2017, is 7,362,350,168, an increase of 77,849,375, or 1.07 percent, from New Year’s Day 2016. During January 2017, 4.3 births and 1.8 deaths are expected worldwide every second.

Sunday, December 25, 2016

Annapolis, Maryland—Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County (VAAAC) wants to make it easy for visitors and area residents to enjoy the many exciting events and activities that will be taking place in Annapolis and Anne Arundel County throughout 2017. To assist individuals who are making advance plans for business or vacation travel, the AAACCVB has put together a 2017 Major Events Calendar. For a more comprehensive overview of events large and small, visit http://www.visitannapolis.org/.

The Washington Society of Landscape Painters has created all the paintings in the show. The prestigious 102-year-old art society is one of the oldest organizations of landscape artists in the country. Sponsored by the City of Annapolis and the Chesapeake Bay String of Pearls Project.

Enjoy the museum's annual holiday celebration of toy trains and model railroading. Operating model trains include: N-scale layout, children’s push-button Thomas the Tank Engine O-scale layout, O-scale crazy train layout and HO-scale train layout of the first 13 miles of the B&O. Due to the late reopening of Ellicott City Station because of the town’s historic July flood, the Washington DC Metropolitan LEGO Group's LEGO layout will not be on display at the Ellicott Station this year.

The legend of King Arthur and his young bride Guinevere is also the story of King Arthur and his knights of the Round Table. The spell of Camelot is broken, revealing the complexity and struggles that arise when ideals meet reality. One of the knights, Lancelot, falls in love and the kingdom crumbles. Set to the music of Alan J. Lerner and Frederick Loewe, the play became a Broadway legend.

Join the Elan Ensemble ladies for a festive harp and voice Christmas concert in the ballroom, as they celebrate the 12th day of Christmas in a traditional 19th-century manner. The Elan Ensemble performs music from the 17th-19th centuries in historic venues, bringing modern audiences into the spirit of the musical and social world of past eras. Elissa Edwards, soprano, and Dr. Anastasia Pike, harp, specialize in creating thematic concerts by using original editions and historical performance practices such as ornamentation and expressive gesture. Rooms will be decorated by local garden clubs.

PANAMA CITY, Panama-Live and Invest Overseas, the world’s leading resource on investment, real estate, retirement, and living overseas today released their ranking of the top 10 best places to live overseas in 2017.

“Our best places to live overseas list is part of a new series of New Year rankings that the editors of Live and Invest Overseas have put together,” said Kathleen Peddicord, author and publisher of Live and Invest Overseas. “For this list, we asked ourselves where are the best places in the world to live better, reinvent one’s life, and have a grand adventure in 2017?”

The list includes locales in traditional places like Portugal, France, and Spain, as well as places one would not expect, including the Dominican Republic, Malaysian Borneo, Nicaragua, and Colombia. The full list and explanation for each place that made the list follows below.

Other lists in the 2017 New Year Overseas series are “The Best Places to Buy Real Estate,” “The Best Places to Go Offshore” (for taxes, banking, asset protection, second passports, etc.), and “The Best Places to Start a Business.” Every July, Live and Invest Overseas publishes its annual Retire Overseas Index.

1) Carvoeiro, Algarve, Portugal

Portugal is the best-kept secret of Old World Europe. For three years running, we have named its Algarve coast as the world’s best place to retire overseas.

Coastal Carvoeiro, in particular, qualifies as perhaps the most appealing place on earth to call home if you want to live on the water in a real-world (as opposed to a developing-world) setting.

The take-your-breath-away views from Carvoeiro’s rocky coast, the constant sunshine, the near-perfect weather year-round, the food, the wine, the history… it all adds up to top-shelf of living yours for a very bargain price.

Thanks to the current down value of the euro, the enviable coastal Continental lifestyle on offer in Carvoeiro is further reduced… and the cost of a very rentable home or condo is irresistibly discounted.

2) El Poblado, Colombia

Escobar’s dead and the city he and his goons once terrorized is today at peace.

Located in one corner of Medellín, El Poblado offers a comfortable, tranquil, idyllic way of life for a super affordable cost. At the current exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Colombian peso, the luxury-level cosmopolitan lifestyle available in El Poblado is an even greater bargain.

Medellín is culture rich and Euro chic; its people well dressed, well mannered, and welcoming. Medellín’s heart, El Poblado, is our #1 pick for city living on a budget.

3) Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic

Las Terrenas is quintessential Caribbean with a French twist. The big and established community of French expats living in this white-sand beach town means fresh baguette, great restaurants, and kisses on both cheeks in greeting.

Infrastructure is improving, establishing residency is easy, and the cost of living is one of the great bargains of today’s Caribbean… making Las Terrenas our #1 pick for a new life with a Caribbean Sea view.

4) Santa Familia, Belize

If you want to leave the troubles and the worries of our age behind, little Santa Familia village in Cayo, Belize, is calling your name. Life in Cayo is back to basics, simple, and sweet. You know your neighbors, they know you, and you all look out for each other.

Belize’s Cayo is a region of wide-open spaces, fresh air, warm sun and fertile land, making it our pick for the world’s best place to disconnect and unplug.

5) Pau, France

France is a country of superlatives. World's best quality of life… best health care… best food… best art and fashion… most beautiful, most romantic city (more on this in a moment)…

To many, la vie française is the good life defined, and the charms and appeals of French Country Life are unrivalled. In this context, we suggest you consider Pau, also known as the “Green City” and the “Garden City,” thanks to its ratio of greenery per square meter per person, one of the highest of any European city.

Pau’s landscape is accessible woodlands, the steep slopes of Jurançon wine country, the history-packed Plaine de Nay and its main town of Nay and the pretty rolling countryside and ancient towns of the Gaves de Béarn.

Pau is also a university town, with close to 12,000 university students living on and off campus, helping to keep it lively.

Brits and other North Europeans have been seeking out this part of France for retirement for years. This is a very friendly bunch of people with a wide range of backgrounds and interests always ready to welcome newcomers.

6) Chiang Mai, Thailand

Since the 1800s, the Thai city of Chiang Mai has been luring expats from the West with its über-low cost of living, great weather (especially compared with elsewhere in Thailand), rich history and distinct culture.

The heart of Chiang Mai lies within its old city walls where ancient and modern Buddhist temples coexist with public and international schools, residential and commercial neighborhoods.

Modern Chiang Mai has grown beyond the ancient walls and offers mega-malls, huge multi-national grocery and department stores, and all other trappings of life in the 21st century.

The biggest advantage to life in Chiang Mai is its cost in general and of health care in particular. A couple can live here comfortably on as little as US$1,100 per month, and you can see an English-speaking doctor for US$20.

7) Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Playa del Carmen is a little beach town that sits about an hour south of Cancún on Mexico’s Riviera Maya. Once a sleepy fishing town, the port was inadvertently put on the map by Jacques Cousteau in 1954 when he filmed an underwater documentary of the Great Mayan Reef just offshore.

Divers began seeking out these Caribbean waters for themselves, and in the 1970s a port was built to ferry the tourists from the mainland to Cozumel.

Today Playa is home to more than 10,000 foreigners, including Europeans, Americans, Canadians, Argentinians, Venezuelans and many other nationals of all ages including 20- and 30-somethings, young families and retired couples.

Playa is also a welcoming destination for the LGBT community.

8) Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona, in the northeast of Spain on the Mediterranean Sea, is a vibrant, colorful, proud city that combines the passion of the Spanish with the efficiency and organization of the Catalans.

This is a city with a strong energy that has not been dampened by Spain’s ongoing economic woes and the economic, cultural, and administrative capital of Catalonia.

Spain's second-biggest city is easily and quickly explored thanks to its compact, well-laid-out design… and the opportunities for diversion, entertainment, and discovery are many. Art and architecture from pre-Roman to Modernista is around every corner. This is a city of galleries, museums, monuments, theaters, restaurants and shopping… with the beach just right there.

9) Granada, Nicaragua

Nicaragua is a beautiful country with a troubled history that appeals to the romantic, the poet, the eco-traveler, the surfer (the break off Nicaragua’s Pacific coast is world-class) and the bargain hunter. The cost of living, of real estate and of everything else is a steal.

Geographically, Nicaragua is blessed, with two long coastlines and two big lakes, plus volcanoes, highlands, rain forest and rivers. In this regard, it's got everything Costa Rica's got, all less discovered, less developed and less expensive.

Architecturally, too, Nicaragua is notable. Colonial Granada is its architectural jewel. This city, one of the oldest in Latin America, is also busier and livelier today than at any other time during its near five centuries of history, attracting tourists and expats in record numbers.

When you see it, you understand why. The setting for this colonial town is like out of a fairy tale—the lake, the volcano, the mountains. At night, the backdrop is an ink-streaked sky that, just before the sun sets, illuminates the yellow and white cathedrals in ways that would have inspired Matisse to set up his easel.

10) Kota Kinabalu, Malaysian Borneo

This laid-back and quiet city is one of the most pleasant places to live in Asia and is incredibly welcoming. Its biggest practical advantages are the low cost of living and the high standard (and low cost) of health care. A couple could live well here on US$1,200 a month or less.

The city is small and walkable, less than 3 kilometers from end-to-end. Life revolves around the water and is lived out-of-doors. At home, you can fill your days snorkeling, diving, boating and ferry hopping from the city center to neighboring islands.

This is a little-known, low-key, low-population destination offering a tranquil, serene, close-to-nature lifestyle at a cost that’s a global bargain.

Bonus from Kathleen: Paris, France

I would argue that no list of world’s most appealing places to spend time is complete if it doesn’t include Paris. This is as true as we turn the corner into 2017 as it has been since people first compiled world’s best lists.

Life in Paris can be as good as life gets anywhere. I figure you know that.

What you may not realize is that the cost of living in Paris can be manageable.

About a month before our move from France to Panama, my husband Lief presented me with a budget showing that our cost of living in Panama City would be more or less on par with what it had been in Paris.

I suggested that Lief, an accountant by training, double-check his figures.

But Lief was right. Our day-to-day costs have averaged out to be the same in the Hub of the Americas as they were in the City of Light.

Paris is a place where even a modest lifestyle can feel rich and where some of the greatest pleasures—strolls along the Seine, picnics in the Luxembourg Gardens—come free.

Paris is also a city where a car is an unnecessary liability. We lived four years in Paris happily auto-free. We walked everywhere. The butcher, the baker, the grocer, the wine shop and our son’s school were all less than 15 minutes from our apartment, as were (are) the Tuileries Gardens, the Louvre, the Latin Quarter, six movie theaters and at least a dozen cafes and restaurants.

When we wanted to venture beyond our quartier we took the Metro. For 1 euro 90 cents you can get from anywhere to anywhere in this city you might want to go.

Other things in Paris can be cheap, too, including necessaries of modern living like cable, telephone and Internet. You can get a phone plan in France that includes unlimited calls to anywhere in Europe, North America, and the Caribbean plus cable TV and wireless internet and cable for 45 euros monthly.

These thoughts are on my mind as we move into 2017 because this summer Lief and I will be repositioning our home base from Panama City back to Paris.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you go? For me the answer to that question has always been Paris.

About Live and Invest Overseas

Based in Panama City, Panama, LIOS is the leading resource for people who want to live, retire, and invest overseas. Headed by KathleenPeddicord and Lief Simon – who collectively have more than 50 years’ experience visiting, living, and investing in foreign countries – LIOS and its free e-letter service the Overseas Opportunity Letter have more than 500,000 regular readers. More info available at www.liveandinvestoverseas.com.

Thursday, December 22, 2016

With myriad new openings planned to arrive into the city in 2017, there’s no time like the present to book a trip to Philadelphia, the birthplace of America.

Visitors in 2017 will be able to enjoy a number of new experiences scheduled to open in Philadelphia including a day trip of the city on the new Total Philly Tour, a cultural visit to the new Museum of the American Revolution and an immersive and educational experience with the latest Virtual Reality demonstration at the Franklin Institution.

Launch of Total Philly Tour

Launching in 2017, the ‘Total Philly Tour’ will take visitors through the city’s hotspots and hidden gems. Participants can relish in tasting the delicious food at Jewish delis and the famous Italian Market – the oldest and largest everyday open-air market in America – before paying homage to the unmissable sights within the historic district. This tour also includes a glimpse of public art and stunning mosaics in the Bella Vista neighbourhood and Magic Gardens, adding intricate beauty to any traveller’s photo collection. To top it all off, the tour comes to a close with a local beer expert, who will guide visitors through the booming local bar and pub scene, showcasing the city’s regional breweries and microbrews. The tour starts from outside New Image Art & Framing (601 South 9th Street) at 10am, finishing at 7pm. Strictly over 21s.

Museum of the American Revolution to Open in April

Firmly marking 2017 as a year to celebrate Philadelphia’s colourful past, the state-of-the-art Museum of the American Revolution will open its doors to the public in April next year. Taking visitors on a journey through the remarkable story of America’s founding, the stunning building will feature four floors of permanent and temporary exhibition galleries. Aptly located in the historic heart of the city, the museum is just two blocks from Independence Hall and across the street from Carpenter’s Hall, where the Constitutional Congress first met. Original artefacts, immersive settings and dynamic theatres will instil visitors of all ages with a profound understanding of, and interest in, the outbreak of conflict and ensuing new nation.

Liberty Title and Trust Building to Become Aloft Hotel by Starwood

As the only building on the block of Broad Street and Arch Street to survive the expansion of the Pennsylvania Convention Centre, the 1929 Liberty Title and Trust Building is a stalwart of historic architecture in Philadelphia. After years of being vacant, the historically-certified 21-story complex is being renovated into a 179-room Aloft by Starwood hotel – the second from the brand to open in the city. With its superb access to the city’s ancient and modern landmarks, the hotel will be a fantastic addition to the Philadelphia accommodation scene when it opens in 2017.

New Foodie Hotspots

Why not toast the start of 2017 in one of several new restaurants in Philadelphia. At the iconic Ritz-Carlton Hotel, where luxury and grand decor can be found in abundance, savour Latin-American cuisine in the stunning, newly-decorated hotel lobby restaurant. ‘Aqimero’ is bound to make any occasion special, whether diners have a reservation to stay the night or not.

For a more vintage dining experience, Chef Michael Schulson has opened ‘Harp & Crown,’ a trendy new foodie hotspot close to Dilworth Park and Philadelphia’s City Hall. Combining charm and luxury with modern sensibility and functionality, the restaurant showcases seasonal ingredients in a menu of global cuisines, as well as a comprehensive cocktail menu at the 32-seat bar. What is more, the space has been transformed to include a two-lane bowling alley in the basement, where revellers can enjoy drinks, pizza and charcuterie between strikes.

Franklin Institute Launches Virtual Reality Experience

As one of America’s oldest and most beloved museums, the Franklin Institute has been delighting visitors old and young since it was founded in 1824. Despite its age, this science museum on North 21st Street has long been paving the way for innovative displays of information and the latest new Virtual Reality initiative is no exception. Open to visitors in 2017, the VR demonstration spaces will allow visitors to try out an HTC Vice or Oculus Rift and be transported through outer space, encounter a blue whale, explore the human body, tour the solar system and even take a peek inside a brain!

INDIAN WELLS, Calif. An historic, tranquil four-diamond resortin the Southern California desert is the newest addition to Curio – A Collection by Hilton, a global portfolio of distinctive upper upscale hotels.

Miramonte Indian Wells Resort & Spa, Curio Collection by Hilton, is an 11-acre oasis nestled at the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains. With 215 guest rooms, suites and villas – many offering inspiring views of the resort’s manicured gardens – Miramonte Indian Wells Resort blends classic sophistication with the relaxing comforts of its award-winning spa.

“The natural beauty and desert climate draw travelers from all over the world to Indian Wells, and the beautiful Miramonte property perfectly complements that aura with its world-class spa, relaxing accommodations, access to several golf courses and more,” said Mark Nogal, global head, Curio – A Collection by Hilton. “This hotel enriches our growing collection and will delight guests seeking a remarkable resort experience.”

Relaxation Required

Opened in 1960 asthe Erawan Garden, the resort operates one of the nation’s most acclaimed spas and treatment facilities. Approaching an extensive multi-million dollar renovation, the 12,000-square-foot Well Spa will offer award-winning services in an intimate environment, and features 13 treatment rooms, seasonal offerings and a courtyard with two private salt water pools.

Guests seeking other soothing experiences in the desert sunshine may enjoy staff-led yoga classes and wellness walks among the grounds, or revel in the Miramonte Pool, which also features chaise lounges, umbrellas and food and beverages all day. Poolside cabanas are available for rent, offering refuge from the sun with a soothing ceiling fan and personal water misters. For even more serenity, the Piedmont Pool includes access to a heated whirlpool, sun decks and food and beverage service.

The 24-hour fitness center includes free weights and the latest exercise equipment.

Delectable Dining Options, Inside and Out

Guests may select from a bevy of culinary choices at Miramonte Indian Wells. Dining is divine at the Grove Artisan Kitchen, which specializes in fresh, seasonal California cuisine simply prepared with time honored techniques. From Huevos Rancheros for breakfast to Zarzuela de Mariscos for dinner, the diverse menu features organic produce, fresh herbs, local ranch-raised meats, fresh Pacific seafood, house-made pastas and innovative vegetarian dishes.

For an afternoon or evening respite, guests may unwind from a long day of activities by indulging in hand-crafted cocktails or delicious bites, from either the outdoor patio or from the comfortable interior of the Vineyard Lounge. Those wishing to enjoy a light meal or cocktails without leaving their lounge chair can choose to indulge poolside, at any of the resort’s three pools.

Glorious Guest Rooms, Suites and Villas

Each of the Miramonte’s 215 guest rooms, suites and villas mixes traditional with rustic design, and many feature sweeping views of the Santa Rosa Mountains or the plush resort. Bougainvillea-covered suites and villas come with private balconies or semi-private patios. A highlight is the one-bedroom, apartment style Presidential Suite; its separate dining area can seat eight guests who may dine while overlooking the resort’s signature pool.

Pet-friendly rooms, in-room dining and complimentary Wi-Fi are also provided.

Inspiring Meetings and Weddings, Indoors or Outside

With over 35,000 square feet of stunning flexible event and meeting space, and the availability of numerous outdoor garden venues on its 11-acre property, Miramonte Indian Wells Resort & Spa can accommodate up to 500 guests – making it one of the area’s most popular destinations for weddings, conferences, business meetings and social gatherings. Many facilities feature natural light with dramatic views of the Santa Rosa Mountain range.

“From our romantic architecture to our renowned spa and wellness program, Miramonte offers everything a traveler can desire for a relaxing stay amidst the natural beauty of the desert,” said Mark Jeffrey, general manager, Miramonte Indian Wells Resort & Spa, Curio Collection by Hilton. “We are thrilled to now be part of Curio to leverage the power of the Hilton name while maintaining our distinct identity and spirit.”

Located 15 miles from Palm Springs International Airport, the resort and spa is centrally located in Indian Wells Valley, just a two-hour drive from Los Angeles, San Diego and Orange County.

Miramonte Indian Wells Resort & Spa, Curio Collection by Hilton is part of Hilton HHonors®, the award-winning guest-loyalty program for Hilton’s 13 distinct hotel brands. Hilton HHonors members who book directly with Hilton save time and money and gain instant access to the benefits they care about most, such as an exclusive member discount, free Wi-Fi and the ability to earn and redeem Points for free nights.

To celebrate Miramonte Indian Wells Resort & Spa’s addition to Curio Collection, Hilton HHonors members can earn 1,000 points per night on eligible stays from December 20, 2016 through June 20, 2017. Miramonte Indian Wells Resort & Spa is owned by Rockpoint Group and managed by Two Roads Hospitality. It is located at 45000 Indian Wells Lane, Indian Wells, California 92210. For more information, or to make a reservation, travelers can call +1 760-341-2200 or visit curio.com.

For more information, visit curio.com.

About Curio – A Collection by Hilton

Curio – A Collection by Hilton™ (curio.com), launched in 2014, is a global set of hand-picked upscale hotels that meet independent-minded travelers’ desire for local discovery and authentic experiences, all while providing the quiet reassurance and support of the Hilton name and its award-winning Hilton HHonors program. Discover the collection’s latest stories at news.curio.com, connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter or inquire about development opportunities at hiltonworldwide.com/development.

About Hilton

Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company, comprising more than 4,800 managed, franchised, owned and leased hotels and timeshare properties with nearly 789,000 rooms in 104 countries and territories. For 97 years, Hilton has been dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences. The company's portfolio of 13 world-class global brands includes Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Canopy by Hilton, Curio - A Collection by Hilton, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton by Hilton, Tru by Hilton, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages an award-winning customer loyalty program, Hilton HHonors®. Hilton HHonors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to benefits including an exclusive member discount, free standard Wi-Fi, as well as digital amenities that are available exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton HHonors app, where Hilton HHonors members can check-in, choose their room, and access their room using a Digital Key. Visit news.hiltonworldwide.com for more information and connect with Hilton on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr, LinkedIn and Instagram.

About Miramonte Indian Wells Resort & SpaMiramonte Indian Wells Resort & Spa is an intimate desert oasis created for the independent-minded traveler. The 215-room resort provides an easy escape to a world of approachable sophistication. Miramonte features the award-winning Well Spa, the acclaimed Grove Artisan Kitchen and Vineyard Lounge, three resort pools, a 24-hour fitness center, access to premier golf and tennis and much more. For more information on Miramonte Indian Wells Resort & Spa, visit www.miramonteresort.com Follow us on Twitter, Instagram or like us on Facebook.

About Two Roads HospitalityCreated in September 2016, Two Roads Hospitality is an international lifestyle company encompassing an unrivaled collection of distinctive properties, passionate people, and remarkable experiences around the globe. The company is named for the newly-merged Commune and Destination Hotels, bringing together over 40 years of combined expertise exclusively dedicated to the boutique and lifestyle space. Comprised of Joie de Vivre Hotels, Thompson Hotels, Destination Hotels, tommie and Alila Hotels & Resorts, the company is the leading operator of independent and lifestyle hotels with more than 95 properties in eight countries and growing, also boasting an extensive roster of award-winning restaurants and bars, stunning vacation residences, world-class golf courses, and indigenous spa and wellness offerings. For more information on Two Roads Hospitality, visit www.tworoadshotels.com, follow us on Twitter (@TwoRoadsHotels), or like us on Facebook.

About Me

I (Allen Barkus) am the publisher of the Travelore Report newsletter, published monthly in print since 1971, with an 80,000 monthly paid circulation. This blog has also become one of the influential travel blogs in the industry with almost 175,000 views monthly. Our focus is on upscale value-added travel and travel related products and services worldwide. Since our lead time to print is typically at least three months, this blog allows us to keep our worldwide press contacts, paid subscribers @$68/yearly and general public aware of our editorial focus. Only paid subscribers get all of our detailed Destination Reports.
The Travelore Report is a publication of the Ted Barkus Company, ranked as one of the leading independent advertising and marketing communications companies in the U.S. by Advertising Age Magazine.
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